Professor Malcolm Morley OBE has been appointed as Chair of Radioactive Waste Management (RWM). Last autumn, after almost 14 years in post, Professor Morley retired as Chief Executive of Harlow Council, where he led its transformation to become an award-winning local authority.

Upon news of his appointment, Malcolm commented:

I’m honoured to be leading RWM as Chair at this critical time. RWM’s mission to deliver a long-term solution for the safe disposal of higher-activity radioactive waste will protect future generations and our environment from the legacy of waste the UK has created over the past 60 years. RWM’s outstanding expertise in areas such as science and engineering, and its commitment to community engagement, will help deliver an infrastructure project like no other we’ve seen before in the UK and I am delighted to be a part of the team.

The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), the Northern Ireland Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, and the Welsh Government, have opened consultations on the proposed approach to working with communities in identifying potential sites for a GDF, and the associated planning process.

Stakeholders and members of the public will have the opportunity to provide feedback which will help shape the key policies on geological disposal. Ann McCall, RWM’s GDF Siting and Engagement Director, said:

Geological disposal will provide a safe, secure and long-term solution for managing the UK’s radioactive waste, and RWM welcomes the public consultations which place communities at the heart of the process. As the delivery body for geological disposal, we are eager to work with communities to progress this important programme on behalf of society.

The planned Highways England improvements will provide additional capacity, and improve journey times and safety while supporting economic growth in the region.

The existing dual carriageway will have extra lanes added between Birtley (junction 65) and Coal House (junction 67). Allerdene Railway Bridge which carries the A1 over the East Coast railway line will also be replaced as part of the project.

Following a series of consultation events back in 2016, 73% of residents agreed with Option 1A, where Allerdene Railway Bridge will be reconstructed south of its current location and replacing Smithy Lane overbridge. This option has now been developed further and these plans will be on show at a series of consultation events which will take place later this month.

Highways England project manager Nicola Wilkes said:

We would really like people to come along to these public consultation events which are being held over 2 weeks.

These events are a chance for local people to have a look at the more detailed plans we have pulled together for the proposals and to give us their feedback.

Anyone that can’t make these events can also let us know their feedback online on the scheme webpage.

Details of the events are available on the consultation page.

Two options were presented at the events held back in 2016 with the only difference being where Allerdene Railway Bridge would be built. Option 1B included building a temporary railway bridge and then building the permanent structure in the same place as it is now.

The consultation started on Thursday 8 February 2018 and will finish on Friday 23 March 2018.

For more details on the A1 Birtley to Coal House scheme, which is due to start late 2020, and to fill out the online consultation, please visit the scheme webpage.

General enquiries

Members of the public should contact the Highways England customer contact centre on 0300 123 5000.

Media enquiries

Journalists should contact the Highways England press office on 0844 693 1448 and use the menu to speak to the most appropriate press officer.

National Apprenticeship Week 2018 (#NAW2018) is now just 4 weeks away, taking place from 5 to 9 March 2018 and will bring together those passionate about apprenticeships to encourage more people to choose apprenticeships as a fast-track to a great career and business growth.

Now in its 11th year, the theme of National Apprenticeship Week is Apprenticeships Work and is designed to showcase how apprenticeships work for employers, individuals, local communities and the wider economy, whilst giving opportunity to showcase the great work of forward-thinking and successful apprenticeship employers.

Across the country, schools are signing up to invite passionate current and former apprentices to talk to their students about their experience. Similarly, apprentices and former apprentices are joining the #10kTalks movement to share their own success stories with the next generation of talent in local schools.

Amy Grange, former degree apprentice and now Oracle Applications Consultant at Capgemini is just one of many taking part in #10kTalks. She said

My career began 5 years ago when I started my apprenticeship with Capgemini and as part of my role I deliver talks to young people considering an apprenticeship. I was delighted to be invited back to my own school, it really made me realise how far I’ve come with my apprenticeship and how valuable an apprenticeship can be.

Sue Husband, Director of the National Apprenticeship Service, added:

It’s fantastic to see so many already joining the 10,000 talks movement ahead of National Apprenticeship Week. But we want to see even more come on board to inspire apprentices of the future.

We know there are countless current and former apprentices up and down the country who, just like Amy, have a great story to tell. If that’s you, or someone you know, sign up to join #10kTalks – you have the power to ensure more young people learn about the great benefits of apprenticeships.

We’re also calling on schools to join the movement. Welcoming back a former student or other local apprentice is a great way to showcase to your students how an apprenticeship can kick off a great career.

It’s your week. Everyone passionate about apprenticeships, from a young person just starting their career through to employers, schools, training organisations and partners, has a role to play in National Apprenticeship Week. With your valued support we can celebrate every apprentice across the country, so help us reach 10,000 people with great stories of why apprenticeships work and make this week the most successful yet.

Schools can be a part of the 10,000 talks movement by inviting a passionate apprentice, or former apprentice, to talk to their students about their experience. Support with matching an apprentice ambassador to schools will be given.

Apprentices and former apprentices will be matched with a nearby school to give a talk and share their story, helping to inspire the next generation of apprentices. To find out more and to sign up to deliver a #10kTalks session visit the amazing apprenticeships website.

Employers, schools, colleges, universities, training organisations and partners can access resources and more information about how to get involved with National Apprenticeship Week by visiting the resource portal.

Watch Amy Grange return to her former school to share her own apprenticeships story:

Amy Grange video